They call it the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” Heavy seas and unpredictable weather. A rugged, lonely coastline. Countless ships and sailors taken by its fierce storms and jagged rocks. Westward, nothing to see but North Pacific swells, until Hawaii finally climbs above the horizon. Men have sailed the route for centuries. Now, one man will put his trust in his legs, his heart, and his mind to make a historic journey.
In June, 2010, Greg Kolodziejzyk will attempt to become the first person in history to navigate this notorious stretch of ocean under his own power. His plan – pedal a custom-made state-of-the-art human-powered boat 3000 miles across the Pacific Ocean, from Victoria, Canada to Hawaii. The world-record attempt is expected to take between 40 to 80 days.
Greg will be updating his blog every day, with log entries, photos, video snippets, and audio podcasts beamed via solar-powered satellite communications from the middle of the Pacific ocean. His location will be automatically tracked in real-time by a special locator beacon, so you can follow the ups and downs of his epic solo voyage from moment to moment.
No person in history has travelled further under his own power in one day, on land or water than Greg Kolodziejzyk. In July of 2006, Greg earned his first world record by pedalling his human powered vehicle called Critical Power 647 miles (1041 km) in one day. In September of 2008, he did it again, but this time on water when he pedalled his human powered boat Critical Power Two 152.3 miles (245.16 km) in 24 hours around a circular lake course earning him his second world record.
Critical Power
Critical Power Two
Greg's pursuit of the limits of human power inspires a refreshing 'do more with less' philosophy. It also opens up opportunities for a larger discussion he feels is desperately needed, confronting the serious issue we face with skyrocketing childhood obesity rates.
Currently 1 in 3 of North American children are overweight. The health care costs associated with this issue cost Americans over $13 billion a year. Canadians spend over $1 billion. A leading cause of this alarming epidemic is the sedentary modern lifestyle.
We can get started on a solution by getting our kids active again! There are currently over 8 million families in North America living below the poverty line. For many of these families, providing bikes for their children is a luxury they can't afford. Unfortunately, these kids won’t have a chance to get outside and ride a bike. They’ll miss out… and end up sitting at home watching TV instead.
Together, we can make a difference - one bike at a time. Donate a bike to a child who can't afford one – by sponsoring a mile for $50. Let's give away 3000 bikes to 3000 kids! That's one bike for every mile Greg pedals WiTHiN across the Pacific ocean.
You can help! Sponsor a mile for $50 and you will provide one underprivileged child in North America with a brand new bicycle, through the registered charity Kimberlee's Bikes for Kids. Let's ensure that our children grow up healthy, happy, and ACTIVE!
3000 bikes for 3000 kids in 3000 miles!
Sponsor a mile for $50 and every mile that Greg pedals WiTHiN across the Pacific ocean, Kimberlee’s Bikes for Kids charity will donate one bicycle to a deserving child who can't afford one.
If Greg makes it to Hawaii he will have travelled 3000 miles and with your help, that will mean 3000 bikes for 3000 kids!
When you click a Donate Now button you will be taken to the Kimberlee's Bikes for Kids Paypal page where you can securely complete your transaction. You can use PayPal or any major credit card.